Staple position sensor system

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly including a plurality of surgical staples each including a code embedded portion and a first sensor for detecting the position of the surgical staples prior to and during a formation of the staples. The tool assembly further includes an anvil assembly including a second sensor that detects the position of the surgical staples after the formation of the surgical staples.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/072,457, filed Nov. 5, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/086,547, filed Apr. 14, 2011, (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,596,515), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/356,195 filed on Jun. 18, 2010, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling instrument and,more particularly, to a staple position sensor system.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling instruments used for sequentially applying linear rowsof surgical staples through tissue are well known in the art. Surgicalstaplers of this type may be used during an open surgical procedurewhere an incision is made to provide access to the surgical site orduring an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure where staplingis accomplished through a generally cylindrical access tube. Endoscopicand laparoscopic surgical instruments are often preferred overtraditional open surgical devices since a smaller incision tends toreduce the post-operation recovery time and complications.

Known surgical stapling instruments include an end effector thatsimultaneously makes a longitudinal incision in tissue and applies linesof staples on opposing sides of the incision. The end effector includesa pair of cooperating jaw members that, if the instrument is intendedfor endoscopic or laparoscopic applications, is capable of passingthrough a cannula passageway. One of the jaw members includes a staplecartridge assembly having laterally spaced rows of staples. The otherjaw member includes an anvil assembly defining staple formingconcavities aligned with the rows of staples in the cartridge assembly.The surgical stapler further includes an actuation sled, whichsequentially engages a plurality of pushers supporting staples in thestaple cartridge assembly. Movement of the plurality of pushers ejectsthe staples from the staple cartridge assembly and presses the ejectedstaples against surfaces of concavity on the anvil assembly to form andclose the staples in tissue. Staples in an unformed condition include abackspan and a pair of legs projecting from the backspan. When properlyformed, the staples assume a substantially “B-shaped” configuration.Improperly formed staples can cause adverse consequences, such as, forexample, inadequate hemostasis.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there isprovided a surgical stapling instrument including a surgical staplecontaining a code embedded portion and a tool assembly including acartridge assembly and an anvil assembly selectively positionablerelative to the cartridge assembly about a pivot. The code embeddedportion of the staple may be a code readable by magnetic, electronic oroptical sensors. The cartridge assembly includes a first sensor fordetecting a position of the code embedded portion of the surgicalstaple. The anvil assembly includes a second sensor for detecting theposition of the code embedded portion of the surgical staple when thesurgical staple is in contact with the anvil assembly.

In an embodiment, the surgical staple may include a backspan and a pairof legs extending from the backspan. At least one of the pair of legsincludes the code embedded portion. In some embodiments, the cartridgeassembly may define a retention channel for accommodating therein thesurgical staple. The first sensor is disposed adjacent the retentionchannel. In some embodiments, the code embedded portion aligns with thefirst sensor when the surgical staple is properly loaded in theretention channel prior to the formation of the staple. Alternatively,the first sensor may be exposed in the retention channel. In some cases,the first sensor may be in a direct contact with the code embeddedportion when the surgical staple is properly loaded in the retentionchannel prior to the formation of the surgical staple.

In an embodiment, the anvil assembly may define a concavity. The secondsensor is disposed adjacent the concavity. The code embedded portion ofthe surgical staple aligns with the second sensor after a properformation of the surgical staple. Alternatively, the second sensor maybe exposed in the concavity. In some cases, the second sensor may be ina direct contact with the code embedded portion after a proper formationof the surgical staple. In an embodiment, the concavity may include apair of recesses. Each recess is configured to deform respective leg ofthe surgical staple. In an embodiment, the second sensor is disposedadjacent one of the pair of recesses such that the code embedded portionaligns with the second sensor after a proper formation of the surgicalstaple. In some embodiments, the backspan of the surgical staple maydefine a groove.

In an embodiment, the first sensor may be configured to detect aposition of the code embedded portion of the surgical staple in anunformed state, and the second sensor may be configured to detect theposition of the code embedded portion of the surgical staple in a formedstate.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, thereis provided a surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly,an elongate shaft extending longitudinally from the handle assembly, atool assembly including a cartridge assembly and an anvil assemblyselectively positionable relative to the cartridge assembly about apivot, and a surgical staple including a code embedded portion. Thecartridge assembly defines a retention channel and the anvil assemblydefines a concavity.

In an embodiment, the cartridge assembly includes a first sensor fordetecting a position of the code embedded portion of the surgicalstaple. In another embodiment, the anvil assembly includes a secondsensor for detecting the position of the code embedded portion of thesurgical staple when the surgical staple is in contact with the anvilassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following description of embodiments given inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable loading unit of thesurgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a distal end of astaple cartridge of the surgical stapling apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an actuation sled, pushers andstaples;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tool assembly of the surgical staplingapparatus of FIG. 1 with parts separated;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical staple in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridgeassembly having the surgical staple of FIG. 6 loaded therein;

FIG. 9 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tool assemblyafter a formation of the surgical staple of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a toolassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in aclamped position;

FIG. 11 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toolassembly of FIG. 9 illustrating formation of the surgical staples;

FIG. 12 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toolassembly of FIG. 9 after a formation of the surgical staples;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a surgical staple in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical staple of FIG. 12after a formation of the surgical staple;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a circular stapling instrument; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a transverse stapling instrument.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical staplingapparatus will now be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identicalelements. In the drawings and in the description that follows, the term“proximal,” will refer to the end of a device or system that is closestto the operator, while the term “distal” will refer to the end of thedevice or system that is farthest from the operator.

A surgical stapling apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 1 and is designatedby the reference numeral 10. Surgical stapling apparatus 10 includes ahandle assembly 20, an elongate body 30 extending distally from handleassembly 20 and a disposable loading unit 40 releasably secured to adistal end of elongate body 30. Disposable loading unit 40 includes atool assembly 42 having a cartridge assembly 160 and an anvil assembly150 movably secured in relation to cartridge assembly 160. Disposableloading unit 40 is configured to sequentially apply linear rows ofstaples.

Handle assembly 20 includes a stationary handle member 22, a movablehandle member 24, and a barrel portion 26. A rotatable member 28 ismounted on barrel portion 26 to facilitate rotation of elongated body 30with respect to handle assembly 20. An articulation lever 29 is providedon a distal end portion of barrel portion 26 adjacent rotatable knob 28to facilitate articulation of tool assembly 42. An actuation shaft (notshown) is supported within barrel portion 26. The actuation shaft isoperatively coupled to movable handle member 24 such that pivotalmovement of handle member 24 in the direction of an arrow “B” in FIG. 1advances the actuation shaft axially which in turn causes firing of thesurgical staples. A retraction knob 27 is attached to the actuationshaft. Retraction knob 27 is movably positioned along barrel portion 26to return the actuation shaft to a retracted position.

With reference now to FIG. 2, disposable loading unit 40 includes toolassembly 42 and a proximal housing portion 46 adapted to releasablyengage disposable loading unit 40 to elongate body 30. A mountingassembly 48 is pivotally secured to a distal end portion of housingportion 46 such that pivotal movement of mounting assembly 48 about anaxis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis “A-A” of housing portion 46effects articulation of tool assembly 42. With disposable loading unit40 attached to stapling instrument 10, tool assembly 42 can bepositioned about tissue. To clamp tissue between anvil assembly 150 andcartridge assembly 160, stationary handle member 22 is moved in thedirection indicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 1. One complete stroke ofmovable handle member 24 advances the actuation shaft just enough toclamp tissue during the first stroke but not to fire staples (i.e.,approximate anvil assembly 150 and cartridge assembly 160). In order tofire staples, movable handle member 24 is actuated again, i.e., movedthrough another stroke.

Tool assembly 42 includes anvil assembly 150 and cartridge assembly 160.As best seen in FIG. 6, anvil assembly 150 includes an anvil portion 152defining a plurality of surgical staple deforming concavities 154 and acover plate 151 secured to a top surface of anvil portion 152. Withreference to FIGS. 3-6, staple cartridge assembly 160 includes a staplecartridge 162 defining a plurality of retention channels 168 and acartridge base plate 161 releasably coupled to a bottom portion ofstaple cartridge 162. Cartridge base plate 161 defines an elongatedsupport channel 161 a which is dimensioned and configured to receivestaple cartridge 162. Corresponding tabs 163 and slots 167 formed alongstaple cartridge 162 and cartridge base plate 161, respectively,function to retain staple cartridge 162 within support channel 161 a. Apair of support struts 164 formed on staple cartridge 162 is positionedto rest on side walls of cartridge base plate 161 to further stabilizestaple cartridge 162 within support channel 161 a. A pair of pivotmembers 155 formed on anvil portion 152 are positioned within slots 177formed in cartridge base plate 161 to guide anvil portion 152 betweenthe open and clamped positions.

Retention channels 168, as best shown in FIG. 4, extend from a bottomportion of staple cartridge 162 adjacent base plate 161 to a tissuecontacting surface 169. Tissue contacting surface 169 defines aplurality of slots 168 a in communication with retention channels 168.Retention channels 168 and slots 168 a align with the plurality ofsurgical staple deforming concavities 154 of anvil assembly 150. Theplurality of retention channels 168 accommodates therein a plurality ofpushers 166 and surgical staples 100 having code embedded portions, aswill be described in detail below.

Each surgical staple 100 is supported on respective pusher 166. Staplecartridge 162 further defines spaced apart longitudinal slots 172adapted to receive therein an axially translating actuation sled 170, asbest shown in FIG. 4. As actuation sled 170 translates distally throughlongitudinal slots 172 of staple cartridge 162 cam wedges 176sequentially engage pushers 166. Cam wedges 176 cause pushers 166 totranslate toward tissue contacting surface 169 within retention channels168 and thereby ejecting staples 100 from slots 168 a towards the stapledeforming concavities 154 of anvil assembly 150. Optionally, alongitudinally extending central slot 174 may be further provided onstaple cartridge 162 to facilitate passage of a knife blade (not shown)which allows for a simultaneous separation of tissue while applyinglines of staples 100 on opposing sides of the cut line.

As best seen in FIG. 2, proximal housing portion 46 of disposableloading unit 40 is formed of an upper housing half and a lower housinghalf contained within an outer casing 57. The proximal end of proximalhousing portion 46 includes engagement nubs 58 for releasable engagementwith elongate body 30 through, e.g., a bayonet type coupling with adistal end portion of elongate body 30. An example of a suitablestapling instrument is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,139, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure isshown generally as a surgical staple 100. Staple 100 includes a pair oflegs 102, 104 and a backspan 110. Each leg 102, 104 includes arespective code embedded portion 106, 108 and a respective penetratingdistal tip 102 a, 104 a configured and dimensioned to penetrate tissue.In an unformed position, staple 100 has a substantially flat profilewith legs 102, 104 in the same plane as backspan 110. In particular,legs 102, 104 are substantially straight and perpendicular to alongitudinal axis “Z-Z” of backspan 110. However, legs 102, 104 need notbe parallel as legs 102, 104 can also be positioned at other angles withrespect to backspan 110, i.e., non-perpendicular to backspan 110.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, staple cartridge 162 includes a pluralityof sensors 180. As best shown in FIG. 8, each sensor 180 is embedded ina side wall 165 defining a retention channel 168 in which staple 100 isloaded prior to being ejected. Sensor 180 is placed in side wall 165such that when staple 100 is properly loaded in retention channel 168and supported on a respective pusher 166, code embedded portions 106,108 of staple 100 are aligned with sensor 180. Sensor 180 may employ,for example, mechanical, optical, magnetic or electrical means, todetermine whether code embedded portions 106, 108 are aligned withsensor 180. In particular, sensor 180 may be exposed in retentionchannel 168. In some cases, sensor 180 exposed in retention channel 168may be in a direct contact with one of code embedded portions 106, 108when surgical staple 100 is properly loaded in respective retentionchannel 168. The data collected by sensors 180, i.e., whether codeembedded portions 106, 108 are aligned with respective sensor 180, maybe sent to a user in a relatively remote location through an electricalwire 185 or wireless means (not shown). Such data may be processed by aprocessing unit, which may be provided on handle assembly 20 or anexternal terminal (not shown). Sensor 180 in conjunction with staple 100allows a user to monitor the position/state of staple 100 prior to andduring a formation of surgical staples 100.

The code embedded portion of the staples 106, 108 may be a code readableby magnetic, electronic or optical sensors 180. Thus in the instance ofa magnetic sensor 180, the sensor 180 may be a hall effect sensor andthe code embedded sensor portion 106, 108 may coated with be a magneticink. Similarly, an electronic sensor 180 may, for example, measure theresistance of the code embedded portion of the staples 106, 108 whichmay be plated with a low resistance biocompatible material such assilver or coated with a high resistance material such as a polymer.Optical sensors 180 may be implemented with code embedded portion of thestaples 106, 108 painted or otherwise processed to modify the color,reflectance or other optical qualities.

Placement of sensor 180, however, may be tailored to meet the specificneeds of a surgical procedure being performed. For example, sensor 180may be placed in a position offset from code embedded portions 106, 108of a properly loaded staple 100, such that when staple 100 is improperlyloaded in channel 168 code embedded portions 106, 108 are aligned withsensor 180 placed in the offset position. Thus, sensor 180 detects theimproperly loaded staple 100. In addition, sensor 180 placed in theoffset position may detect firing or misfiring of a properly loadedstaples 100. In the case of proper firing of staple 100, sensor 180 inthe offset position may detect passage of code embedded portions 106,108 of staple 100. In the case of misfiring of staple 100, sensor 1800may detect code embedded portions 106, 108 of misfired staple 100positioned in the offset position, i.e., code embedded portions 106, 108do not pass by sensor 180 in the offset position, but rather aligns withsensor 180 in the offset position. Furthermore, it is envisioned thatcode embedded portions 106, 108 may be placed in backspan 110 to detectproper loading and/or misfiring of staples 100. Under such arrangement,sensor 180 will be placed in a bottom portion of cartridge 162 or incartridge base plate 161.

With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, anvil assembly 150 includesan anvil sensor system 190, anvil portion 152 defining a plurality ofconcavities 154 and cover plate 151 secured to a top surface of anvilportion 152. As best seen in FIG. 9, each concavity 154 includes concaveportions 154 a, 154 b for deforming respective legs 102, 104. A pair ofsensors 192, 194 is embedded adjacent respective concave portion 154 a,154 b of concavity 154 such that when staple 100 is properly formedagainst concave portions 154 a, 154 b of concavity 154, and therebyrendering a “B-shaped” staple 100, code embedded portions 106, 108 arealigned with sensors 192, 194, respectively. Similar to sensor 180,sensors 192, 194 may employ, for example, mechanical, optical, magneticor electrical, means, to determine whether code embedded portions 106,108 of staple 100 are aligned with respective sensors 192, 194. It iscontemplated that in some cases, sensors 192, 194 embedded in anvilportion 152 may be partially exposed to code embedded portions 106, 108.In particular, code embedded portions 106, 108 of a staple 100 may be ina direct contact with sensors 192, 194, respectively, after a properformation of staple 100. Further, the code embedded portion of thestaples 106, 108 may have the code modified by the deformation of stapleformation or mechanical scraping during deformation. Thus a magnetic inkmay be removed or the magnetic field diminished, a resistance may bealtered or an optical characteristic altered of the code embeddedportion of the staples 106, 108 such that data from sensors 180 andsensors 192, 194 may be compared to further ensure correct formation.

Sensors 192, 194 transmit signals to a relatively remote locationthrough an electrical wire 195 or wireless means (not shown) where thesignal is processed by a processing unit. The data processed by theprocessing unit is displayed on handle assembly 20 or on an externalterminal (not shown) for a user who will monitor whether staples 100have been properly formed, i.e., whether code embedded portions 106, 108are properly aligned with respective sensor 192, 194. Alternatively, theoutput data may be directly processed by an automated/processor drivensystem to control staple formation. In either case, anvil sensor system190 in conjunction with staple 100 allows the user to monitor theposition/state of staple 100 after the firing of surgical staples 100and thereby determining whether a proper formation of staples 100 hastaken place. By employing anvil sensor system 190 and cartridge sensor180, the user can verify staple presence prior to instrument use andproper staple formation post-firing of surgical staples 100. Inaddition, the user can monitor whether all staples have been fired.Moreover, the user can control staple formation to prevent under or overforming of staples and/or to compensate varying tissue thickness orcharacteristics. It is further contemplated that sensors 192, 194 may bepositioned offset from code embedded portions 106, 108 of a properlyformed staple 100 such that code embedded portions 106, 108 of animproperly formed staple 100 aligns with sensors 192, 194 in the offsetpositions, as described with sensor 180.

In use, with tissue “T” clamped between anvil assembly 150 and cartridgeassembly 160 as shown in FIG. 10, surgical stapling instrument 10 isused in accordance with methods known by those skilled in the art. Atthis time, staples 100 including code embedded portions 106, 108 areloaded in respective retention channel 168. Staple 100 properlysupported on respective pusher 166 within retention channel 168 allowscode embedded portions 106, 108 to be aligned with sensor 180 embeddedin respective side wall 165 of retention channel 168. As noted above,sensor 180 which may employ, e.g., mechanical, optical, magnetic orelectrical means, to determine whether code embedded portion 106, 108are aligned with sensor 180, sends the data obtained by sensor 180through electrical wire 185 or wireless means (not shown) to aprocessing unit that is at a relatively remote location. As describedabove, the data may be processed by a processing unit, which may beprovided on handle assembly 20 or on an external terminal (not shown).As such, sensor 180 in conjunction with staple 100 allows the user tomonitor the position/state of the plurality of surgical staples 100prior to and during firing of the plurality of surgical staples 100.

Upon determining that staples 100 are properly loaded in respectiveretention channel 168, i.e., each code embedded portion 106, 108 ofstaple 100 is aligned with respective sensor 180, the user is now readyto fire staples 100 into tissue “T” for, e.g., closure of tissue priorto resection or for occlusion of organs. The user fires staples 100 bymanipulating handle assembly 20 as described above. Manipulation ofhandle assembly 20 causes axial movement of the actuation shaft in thedistal direction, which in turn drives actuation sled 170 distally. Camwedges 176 sequentially come into a contact with a plurality of pushers166, which in turn forces pushers 166 to advance towards anvil assembly150 in the direction of an arrow “U,” as shown in FIG. 11. Each staple100 supported on respective pusher 166 is pushed towards anvil assembly150 and is ejected from retention slot 168 a through tissue “T.”Penetrating distal tips 102 a, 104 a of staple 100 are pushed againstconcavity 154 and are buckled towards backspan 110, thereby forming a“B-shaped” staple 100. As shown in FIG. 11, a properly formed “B-shaped”staple 100 provides code embedded portions 106, 108 to align withrespective sensors 192, 194 disposed adjacent respective concaveportions 154 a, 154 b in anvil portion 152. As noted above, depending onthe type of sensor 180 used, sensors 192, 194 may be positioned withinanvil portion 152 adjacent concavity 154 such that a direct contactoccurs between code embedded portions 106, 108 and respective sensors192, 194 when staple 100 has been properly formed.

Then sensors 192, 194 transmit signals to the processing unit located ata relatively remote location, through electrical wire 195 or wirelessmeans. The processing unit processes the signal and displays on handleassembly 20 or on an external display terminal whether proper formationof staples 100 has taken place. The user who monitors whether staples100 have been properly formed, i.e., whether code embedded portions 106,108 are properly aligned with respective sensor 192, 194, will determinethe next course of action. As such, anvil sensor system 190 inconjunction with staple 100 allows the user to monitor theposition/state of staple 100 after and during firing.

As shown in FIG. 11, the distal-most staple 100 which does not have acompletely formed “B-shape” configuration lacks proper alignment betweencode embedded portions 106, 108 and respective sensors 192, 194. Suchstate will be displayed on handle assembly 20 or on the external displayterminal.

Now turning to FIG. 12, stapling of tissue “T” is complete, as indicatedby proper formation of “B-shaped” staples 100 and further evidenced byactuation sled 170 at the distal-most position of staple cartridge 162.Here, all staples 100 have been properly formed. As such, code embeddedportions 106, 108 of each individual staple 100 are properly alignedwith respective sensors 192, 194. At this time, sensor system 190 sendsthe collected data indicating proper formation of all staples 100 to arelatively remote location where the user can process the data. At thistime, the user can perform other surgical procedures knowing that allsurgical staples 100 have been properly formed. However, if any one ofthe plurality of surgical staple 100 is defectively or incompletelyformed, the user may repeat the process to correct the problem prior tocarrying out other surgical procedures.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a surgicalstaple 500 having code embedded portions 506, 508 in accordance with thepresent disclosure is illustrated. Staple 500 includes a backspan 510defining a groove 512 and a pair of legs 502, 504 with tissuepenetrating tips 502 a, 504 a, respectively. The pair of legs 502, 204extends from backspan 510 at an angle, i.e., non-perpendicular tobackspan 510. The groove 512 provides additional length of travel forthe pair of legs 502, 504 in a case of thin tissue. As such, even in thecase of stapling a thin tissue, tissue penetrating tips 502 a, 504 awill not be driven into backspan 510 causing undesirable bending ofsurgical staple 500. Moreover, such design inhibits legs 502, 504 frombeing driven past backspan 510, which in turn may inhibit puncturing ofneighboring tissue. The operation and use of staple 500 is substantiallyidentical to staple 100 and will be omitted in the interest of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, it is further contemplated that thedisclosed staple position sensor system can be configured for use with,for example, a circular stapling apparatus 1000, as well as a transversestapling apparatus 2000. Typically, each of these devices includes ahousing 1020, 2020 having an actuator 1022, 2022, an actuation mechanismoperatively coupled to actuator 1022, 2022 and a tool assembly 1040,2040. Each actuator 1022, 2022 is movable to effect advancement of theactuation mechanism which effects formation of staples 100 against aplurality of concavities defined in each anvil assembly 1050, 2050. Toolassembly 1040, 2040 is operatively coupled to the actuation mechanism.Each tool assembly 1040, 2040 has a cartridge assembly 1060, 2060 and ananvil assembly 1050, 2050 movably mounted in relation to cartridgeassembly 1060, 2060. Each tool assembly 1040, 2040 accommodates thestaple position sensor system described above. In particular, aplurality of staples 100 having code embedded portions 106, 108 aredisposed in cartridge assembles 1060, 2060. Cartridge assembles 1060,2060 each include sensors that detect proper loading of staples 100 inretention channels in cartridge assemblies 1060, 2060. Each anvilassembly 1050, 2050 includes an anvil sensor system including a pair ofsensors disposed adjacent concavity portions defined in respective anvilassemblies 1050, 2050. It should be noted that while the staple positionsensor system of the present disclosure has been described in detail inabove-embodiments with respect to endoscopic/laparoscopic instruments,the staple position sensor system is not limited to such staplinginstruments. Staple position sensor system of the present disclosure canbe utilized in instruments used in open surgical procedures, such astransverse stapling apparatus 2000 shown in FIG. 16.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to theembodiments of the presently disclosed surgical clamp and clamp applier.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure.

1. (canceled)
 2. A surgical stapling instrument comprising: a surgicalstaple including a code embedded portion; and a tool assembly includinga first jaw member and a second jaw member selectively positionablerelative to the first jaw member, the first jaw member including a firstsensor configured to detect a position of the code embedded portion ofthe surgical staple.
 3. The surgical stapling instrument according toclaim 2, wherein the first sensor of the first jaw member is configuredto detect the position of the code embedded portion of the surgicalstaple in an unformed state.
 4. The surgical stapling instrumentaccording to claim 2, wherein the surgical staple includes a backspanand a pair of legs extending from the backspan, at least one leg of thepair of legs including the code embedded portion.
 5. The surgicalstapling instrument according to claim 2, wherein the first jaw memberdefines a retention channel configured to receive the surgical stapletherein, the first sensor positioned adjacent the retention channel. 6.The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 5, wherein the firstsensor and the code embedded portion of the surgical staple are alignedwhen the surgical staple is properly loaded in the retention channelprior to formation of the surgical staple.
 7. The surgical staplinginstrument according to claim 5, wherein the first sensor is exposed tothe retention channel.
 8. The surgical stapling instrument according toclaim 2, wherein the second jaw member includes an anvil assembly. 9.The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 2, wherein thesecond jaw member includes a second sensor configured to detect theposition of the code embedded portion of the surgical staple in a formedstate.
 10. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 9,wherein the second sensor is configured to detect the position of thecode embedded portion of the surgical staple when the surgical staple isin contact with the second jaw member.
 11. The surgical staplinginstrument according to claim 9, wherein the code embedded portion ofthe surgical staple aligns with the second sensor after a predeterminedformation of the surgical staple.
 12. The surgical stapling instrumentaccording to claim 9, wherein the second jaw member defines a concavityand the second sensor is disposed adjacent the concavity.
 13. Thesurgical stapling instrument according to claim 12, wherein the secondsensor is exposed to the concavity.
 14. The surgical stapling instrumentaccording to claim 13, wherein the second sensor is in direct contactwith the code embedded portion after a predetermined formation of thesurgical staple.
 15. A surgical stapling instrument comprising: asurgical staple including a code embedded portion; and a tool assemblyincluding a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly selectivelypositionable relative to the cartridge assembly, the anvil assemblyincluding a first sensor configured to detect a position of the codeembedded portion of the surgical staple.
 16. The surgical staplinginstrument according to claim 15, wherein the first sensor of the anvilassembly is configured to detect the position of the code embeddedportion of the surgical staple in a formed state.
 17. The surgicalstapling instrument according to claim 15, wherein the first sensor isconfigured to detect the position of the code embedded portion of thesurgical staple when the surgical staple is in contact with the anvilassembly.
 18. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 15,wherein the surgical staple includes a backspan and a pair of legsextending from the backspan, at least one leg of the pair of legsincluding the code embedded portion.
 19. The surgical staplinginstrument according to claim 15, wherein the cartridge assemblyincludes a second sensor configured to detect a position of the codeembedded portion of the surgical staple in an unformed state.
 20. Thesurgical stapling instrument according to claim 17, wherein thecartridge assembly defines a retention channel for receiving thesurgical staple therein, the second sensor exposed to the retentionchannel.
 21. The surgical stapling instrument according to claim 20,wherein the second sensor is in direct contact with the code embeddedportion when the surgical staple is properly loaded in the retentionchannel prior to formation of the surgical staple.